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The cricket community was shocked by the untimely passing of young Worcestershire spinner Josh Baker, who tragically died at the tender age of 20 on Thursday (May 2) The heartbreaking news of Baker’s demise was confirmed by Worcestershire County Cricket Club of England in a solemn statement, casting a somber shadow over the cricketing world.
Tragic passing of Worcestershire spinner Josh Baker
Just a day before his passing, Baker showcased his talent while representing Worcestershire’s 2nd XI, delivering a commendable performance with figures of 3 wickets for 66 runs in 20 overs against Somerset at Bromsgrove, despite the fixture ending in a draw.
Throughout his career, the promising left-arm spinner made 47 appearances for Worcestershire, leaving an indelible mark with 70 wickets to his name. The club expressed their profound grief and pledged to honor Baker’s memory while also urging privacy for his bereaved family during this difficult time. However, the exact cause of his untimely death remains undisclosed.
“Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, who was aged only 20 years old. Josh turned professional with the Club in 2021 and quickly became a popular figure within the squad. More than his skills as a spin bowler, it was his vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everyone he met. His warmth, kindness, and professionalism were remarkable, making him a true credit to his family and a loved member of our team,” the post stated.
“During this profoundly difficult time, the Club is dedicated to supporting Josh’s family, friends, and colleagues. We are united in our grief and committed to honouring his memory in a manner befitting the remarkable person he was. Plans to pay tribute to Josh will be made in consultation with his family and will remain private at this time. The Club, along with Josh’s family, requests the respect of privacy as we mourn this immense loss. No further comments will be provided during this sensitive period,” the post concluded.
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Career highlights
Baker, who embarked on his cricketing journey with Worcestershire at the age of 17, had already carved a niche for himself in the sport, amassing an impressive record of 43 wickets in 22 first-class matches and 27 wickets in 25 white-ball appearances. His last first-class outing for Worcestershire against Durham in April marked the culmination of a promising career cut short.
In addition to his bowling prowess, Baker also showcased his batting skills, accumulating 411 runs in first-class cricket, along with notable contributions in List A and T20 formats. The devastating news of his passing reverberated throughout the cricketing world, with members of the fraternity including the likes of Michael Vaughan and Lasith Malinga offering their heartfelt condolences to the grieving Baker family.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
This is so sad .. Thoughts with all his family & close friends .. xx https://t.co/Se22nP5JSZ
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 2, 2024
This is absolutely heartbreaking
My thoughts go out to all of Josh’s family https://t.co/J70mK1zx2L
— Rob Key (@robkey612) May 2, 2024
Goodness me, this is heartbreaking! Thoughts to all of Josh’s family, friends and WCCC!
Horrific news of this up and coming young cricketer leaving the world way too soon!
RIP, young man! 😢 https://t.co/omvs0mkf6S— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) May 2, 2024
Really sad to hear this shocking news. Josh was a wonderful and bright boy always had a smile on his face. 💔 https://t.co/Qam1jcCouJ
— Azhar Ali (@AzharAli_) May 2, 2024
Absolutely shocked! Thoughts with his family and his departed soul 🙏 https://t.co/aEMW1oBgBw
— Shan Masood (@shani_official) May 2, 2024
So incredibly sad! Thoughts with his family and all at Worcester CCC https://t.co/8lBDDVDrtn
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) May 2, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and team mates.💔#RIPJosh https://t.co/EN0wyJEYyL
— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) May 3, 2024
Heart-breaking news. Rest in peace, Josh.
Our thoughts are with Josh’s loved ones at this desperately sad time. https://t.co/EmwnCY0aLE
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 2, 2024
So sad and upset to hear the news of Josh’s passing. He was one of the nicest people you could meet. And a brilliant cricketer. Really devastated to hear this news😫💔 https://t.co/0ZN7jDqYDB
— Usama Mir (@iamusamamir) May 2, 2024
Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, who was aged only 20 years old.
The love and prayers of everyone at the Club go out to Josh’s family and friends at this time.
➡️ https://t.co/p5C9G0apV0 pic.twitter.com/DNNOnG4Gy7
— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) May 2, 2024
Nooooo 💔 Incredible young man, wonderful cricketer just devastating..
All our love, thoughts and prayers go to Josh’s family, friends and teammates at this sad sad time.— Paul Nixon (@Paulnico199) May 2, 2024
💔
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 2, 2024
Thoughts and prayers to everyone @WorcsCCC. Such sad news. To Josh’s family and friends I am lost for words 🙏🙏🙏. RIP fellow left arm spinner.
— Samit Patel 🏏 (@Samitpatel21) May 2, 2024
Awfully sad news
Rest in peace Josh
Thoughts with his friends and family 💔
— Steven Finn (@finnysteve) May 2, 2024
Unimaginable news. Heart goes out to all Josh’s friends, and his family in particular. #cricketfamily
— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) May 3, 2024